VOICE OF THE PEOPLE | May 28

Published May 28, 2012 - 4:11am Last Updated May 28, 2012 - 6:37am

Sense of entitlement

Re: “N.S. students back Quebec peers” (May 24). How very naïve and misguided of the University of King’s College student union to publicly back the striking students in Quebec. I would think and hope these kids have better things to do than spend their time and money supporting a bunch of whiny, lazy, overindulged, spoiled brats in Quebec who, even after the proposed tuition hikes, will still be paying the lowest tuition in the country!

I have zero sympathy for the students in Quebec, and not just because comparing tuition rates there to those in Nova Scotia is akin to comparing apples to oranges, or because the striking students’ arguments simply don’t hold water. It’s because of their arrogant, smug and inflexible attitude. They are not interested in compromise, only in getting everything their way and using violence, threats and intimidation to achieve their goals.

Here’s a news flash for the youth of today: Despite what you’ve been told by the media and your overindulgent parents, life really isn’t all about you and “your rights.”

It’s not “your right” to pay the lowest tuition in Canada and still complain and demand that taxpayers pay even more for your higher education; and marching in the street in nothing but your bra and panties to supposedly “make your point” only highlights how very immature, clueless and self-absorbed you really are.

As a taxpayer and member of society, I am fed up with the younger generation and their exceedingly overdeveloped sense of entitlement.

Karen Davison, Halifax

Special partnership

A neighbour told me her son was fostering a service dog that is being trained to assist autistic children. Training begins at three months old and continues until the dog is over one year old. Volunteers who train these puppies must be patient, consistent and give fun, positive training. They must socialize, house-train and, most of all, love these dogs. The program is run by volunteers at National Service Dogs.

These dogs improve an autistic child’s socialization and behaviour skills. They have a calming effect on the child, which also allows the child to concentrate better in school and focus on learning. They have proven to increase the safety levels and alleviate the bolting behaviours common in children with autism.

To learn more about the program, please go to Autism Canada (www.autismcanada.org) and National Service Dogs (www.nsd.on.ca). I encourage you to read the emotional testimonials from families. These dogs have changed and enriched the lives of autistic children.

Tracy Jessiman, Chester

Date with destiny

Since when did Canada Day not fall on July 1? What is all this nonsense about Canada Day not having a date associated with it? I have been around for a lot of years and have always celebrated Canada Day on July 1; my niece was born on Canada Day, July 1. It doesn’t matter what day July 1 falls on; it will always be Canada Day.

Stores being open on Sunday and closed on Monday makes no sense; retail workers will miss out on yet another holiday that could be spent with family and friends. They miss out on enough already. The Nova Scotia government has no plans to change what is already on the books. What would it take to make that change? Not much. Just do it so this won’t happen again. This should be one of their easier decisions, a no-brainer. It’s time retail workers were given some consideration when it comes to holidays.